Self Portrait

"Ginny"--That's me!

About Me:

My real name is Virginia. That's because my dog-mom's master (mistress, really) thought that all my sisters and brothers should have names of states, whatever those are. Anyway, it doesn't really matter, because she always called my Ginny, or Ginny-Puppy. I am a German shepherd and I turned 3 years old on June 1, 2009. People say that I am beautiful, but how should I know?

My goal in life is to find a really good job. My partner (who is my female master) has been teaching me lots of things. I think my male master wants me to go to some beauty pageants, but my partner wants me to develop my mind. I like that. It's probably because my partner is a veterinarian and has done lots of work with dog behavior and training. Anyway, I like it when she teaches me stuff and we work together.

I started this journal because I want to be able to keep in touch with my friends, to tell them what's going on in my life when I can't be with them. I also want to be able to pass on to others all that I'm learning every day. I feel like I was put on this earth to help other people, so that's what I am going to do. Of course, my main job is to help my partner, but she wants to help other people, too.

Note: all material on this blog is copyright protected. All rights reserved. Copyright 2008-2009.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I heard my person read this out loud. Someone sent it by e-mail and it definitely needed to be shared!

----- A Dog's Purpose, (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life-- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.Love generously.Care deeply.Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:--When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.--Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.--Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.--Take naps.--Stretch before rising.--Run, romp, and play daily.--Thrive on attention and let people touch you.--Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.--On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.--On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.--When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.--Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.--Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.--Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.--If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.--When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.--Be always grateful for each new day.